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Legendary Saga #2

Claiming Excalibur

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Aliana Fagan has done what many thought impossible: she’s awakened King Arthur from his fifteen-hundred-year sleep, reunited the Knights of the Round Table, and even beaten Mordrid and Morgana LeFay in battle.

But the Destined One’s quest has only begun.

Before the knights can "unearth and reclaim their lost relics" they must survive the trip to Charleston, South Carolina and meet the newest member of the Round Table. If King Arthur’s men thought Aliana and Lacy were tenacious, they'll be even more surprised by Dawn, the third member of the fem-trio.

Deadly secrets, unexpected allies, and a traitor lurking in the shadows await Aliana and the new Round Table as they continue their search for Excalibur. Their only clue is a beyond confusing poem from a mysterious book that speaks of a terrifying creature guarding the legendary sword. Trying to build a somewhat normal relationship with Sir Galahad adds a whole new level of complexity to Aliana’s task, especially when several among them suspect the White Knight may not be wholly himself. Her friendship with King Arthur grows closer, and when circumstances become intense, he may finally get the chance with Aliana that he’s been pining for.

Mysteries, legendary quests, and haunting memories will either unite the members of the New Round Table or fracture their bonds. Aliana and her crew only have seven months before the planets align and Mordrid can seize the power he needs to conquer the seven realms. Can the Destined One keep her new family together and lead Arthur to his destiny of saving the realms? Or will a centuries-old plot for revenge finally spell the king’s end?

300 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 16, 2014

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About the author

L.H. Nicole

5 books153 followers
L.H. Nicole is the author of the Legendary Saga series, a seasoned Pastry Chef at the happiest place on earth and a life long fairytale (Disney and Grimm) lover. She believes in love at first sight, fun, strong and clever females and the heroes that fight beside them, and anything that can capture her ADD-way-to-overactive-imagination. Joan Lowery Nixon and L.J. Smith were the first authors she became addicted to and who inspired her to steal away whenever she could to read and write.

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5 stars
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24 (25%)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Chelsies Reading Escape.
631 reviews401 followers
December 16, 2017
I wasnt going to start reading this right after I finished the first book in the series but I just needed more. Since this is a sequel Ill keep the summary brief. This story is a camelot retelling with a female protagonist twist. The Destined One is prophecized to wake King Arthur from a spell he was put under when he was fatally injured. After reuniting the knights of the round table the Destined One must help them find the lost relics and defeat Mordrid.

I thought it was stupid for the main character Aliana to agree to do something for the manipulative Queen of the Fae without even knowing what it is. She can be so reckless but Im happy that she at least didnt go see her godfather by herself. She opened up a bit more in this book but she was still too closed off at times. It helped that she had her two best friends to talk to. I really enjoyed the female friendship and I think it added a lot to the story.

I loved her guardian dragon and I also enjoyed the group dynamic. I thought it was interesting how Merlin and Lancelot were written as unlikeable characters. Not trusting them definitely added some intrigue to the story. Most of the knights were really charming though. I didnt mind the love triangle and I liked both guys but I did have a favorite by the end of this book. I cant stand over protective or controlling love interest. I loved all the side characters romantic relationships.

The other realms were enchanting and I liked all the different creatures. The magic was a little vague at times but I didnt need to understand it completely to enjoy myself. I suspected some of the main plot twists probably due to the authors hints but despite that the story wasnt boring. I thought the antagonists did a good job of adding some intensity. The adventure they went on to find excalibur in this sequel was entertaining and I love how it ended. I need the next book now.

*Received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Leigh Broxton.
86 reviews
December 19, 2014
Alaina continues her adventures with King Arthur the knights of Camelot. Her love for Galahad will be tested. Her feelings for the king will get even more confusing. Her magic will get stronger, and her enemies will fight harder. What quests will Alaina have after the claiming of Excalibur?

I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Wow! This book picks up right where the first one left off. The adventures start right away and there is always something exciting going on. There are a few secondary characters brought in, but we still focus on the many we have already been introduced to. I was pleased how the author balanced details and story lines between so many characters. The secondary characters stories and significances were told, but they didn't take away from the main story and purpose. Sometimes when I read a book with so many characters it's not balanced. So, well done to the author!
This book will keep you interested the entire time. I didn't want to put it down. There is never a dull moment. Something is always happening to Alaina or her friends. The ending was awesome as well. It left off in a great spot to get you ready for the next installment of the series! I can't wait!
Profile Image for Jessi.
473 reviews29 followers
December 23, 2014
I would like to start out by saying that in exchange for an honest review I was give a copy of this book.

Now that I think about it I'm not sure it was a good idea to go to bed before writing a review for this because I feel that whatever I'm gonna be writing now won't be as profound as what I was thinking at 3 o'clock in the morning. I'll give it a go though...

What struck me about this book is how we started off running, we picked up right where the first book ended and there aren't too many books that do that, or not that I've read. There wasn't much reiterating of what had happened in the previous book either and I think I liked it better that way. It was nice that half the book wasn't a re-read of Legendary.

The book was super fast paced. We met new characters and went to new places. The way Nicole painted the scenes every color was so vivid. The magic was explosive and it was so easy to visualize the fight scenes.

My only difficulty was permanently pin pointing the appearances of the characters. For the king and knights my own vision of how the knights have always looked kept getting muddled with the different attributes described in the writing. I do think Tyler Hoechlin is permanently my vision of Galahad especially in the second book.

Profile Image for Books&Dreams.
575 reviews
December 20, 2014
This is book two in the Legendary Saga Series
Yes you do need to read book one in order to read this book
I gave this book 5 stars.

Thank you LH for the chance to review your book
This book was reviewed by Carissa a Book Worms Reviewer.


This book takes off right were book one left off.. and if you can have more adventure and more trials then this would be it.. This book is filled with things that Aliana will have to do in order to get through what she is going through. Her love, her feelings and the way she thinks will be tested throughout the book. She will come against her enemies and have to be stronger and wiser.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat and didn't let me down. I found it more intense then the first book and I loved it. Aliana is a wonderful character who seems to get stronger with each book. I cannot wait to read what is up next for her. This is a don't miss series!!! Go pick it up now!! Again thank you LH for a wonderful story!!!
Profile Image for Renee.
4,229 reviews58 followers
December 18, 2014
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.

This is a book you will not be able to put down to save your life. I know I couldn't and I'm usually not a fantasy reader but find myself loving this series It feels like I'm in my own little fairy tale. It just has that feeling to me and I love that.

I loved being with Aliens and her "boys" once again. All the action, adventure, and a love triangle make a fantastic read. We once again visit different fantasy worlds that mix with the modern world while the clocks ticking to get it all done. The love triangle is just....ahhh.

LH Nicole has done it again!! I loved. The story builds and builds and is so well paced and just keeps getting better and better. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know. I can nit wait to see where LH Nicole takes us next. Thank you for such an amazing read
23 reviews
December 18, 2014
Claiming Excalibur is the second in the Legendary Saga. I appreciate how LH Nicole has executed this novel, the perfect balance between fantasy and present day. I found myself reading this every chance I could because the story just flowed from the pages.

This is the second opportunity of reading this author and I highly recommend grabbing the first book in the saga as well. Even though this book was YA, I had no trouble driving into the world of Aliana. I love how this book is set in the south, where I have just moved!
Profile Image for Ariel.
49 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2015
This book took me a long time to get too, not because I didn't want to read it, on the contrary really. I was giving a copy of this book a long time ago, but between my children, school, work, etc I just couldn't get to it until now. For that, I am truly sorry!

I was really excited about this book. I read the first in this trilogy by L.H. Nicole and was absolutely blown away. You really don't see too many books about Arthurian legend..not that I've seen anyways. So, not only was I thrilled and honored to have read the first book, I got to continue with Claiming Excalibur.

I will say that in this second installment, you are shot back into Aliana and her friends world. One thing I love about this author's writing is that there was little repetition of the first book, Legendary. You know how you start reading the second book in a series and it's pretty much the first book until about half way through....yea, that drives me crazy. I am happy to report that this does not happen in this book!

You are taken to many different worlds (realms) and are constantly meeting new characters and developing a deeper relationship with the characters you already love. I have to say, I'm sure every one is loving on Galahad...I'll take Arthur please! Yum!

L.H. has developed this amazing world with amazing people. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next and final book. I will say this for L.H. she is one heck of a writer!!! Amazing addition to an already amazing series!

*** Check out my other reviews on http://from-the-lake-reviews.blogspot... ***
136 reviews4 followers
December 16, 2014
Amazing story telling. This was such an entertaining series. I loved the first book and loved this one even more! I found it to be a unique retelling of a classic tale with modern twist and turns. Everything you could want can be found here . Action, love, adventure and even a love triangle . Well written and suitable for a wide age range.
Profile Image for Rachelle.
132 reviews
August 9, 2015
Aliana Fagan has freed the King Arthur and assembled the knights of the Round Table. Now it is time to find Excalibur so that Arthur can reclaim Camelot to defeat Mordrid and Morgana. To do this, she leaves London to be reunited with her best friends who are magically connected to saving Camelot. It's hard enough being the Destined One but it doesn't exclude the complications of the protectiveness of the one she loves, the feelings she has for another man and having a hard time of putting the past behind her.

Now that the gang is in the U.S. soil, the knights have all remembered their knightly ways back in Camelot and the girls are reunited with their third musketeer named Dawn. I felt that since Aliana was coming back home, she was facing everything she left behind. Her ex-boyfriend almost appeared but never did when they were at the university was cutting it close since the guys were with her. Luckily she confided in Galahad in order to for his to open up to her. However that went into flames when Galahad did the one thing she warned him to never do to her which made her go rush into King Arthur's arms. It was needed since they both feel something for each other but I'm Team Galahad all the way. I just hope Arthur's mystery woman really isn't Aliana and it is someone that maybe will come in the upcoming book(s) to come.

Queen Titania's is pretty much the puppet master of this whole book. That ending when she finally comes to Aliana for her favor made me curious as to what she wants her to do in Camelot! I can't wait to read how Aliana figures out what she is supposed to do and I'm glad she has Dagg since everyone else she knows has no recollection of her at the time or in a different time period. It seems there's one less enemy to worry about but hopefully the author can spare her life because Aliana has been through so much, she deserves a happy life. Even if she was created for the purpose of becoming the "Destined One" she deserves a reward for fulfilling her duties.
Profile Image for Nicki Elson.
Author 14 books144 followers
November 18, 2014
This series gets better and better. It's such a great mix of modern day and brilliantly imagined fantasy worlds. LH Nicole also strikes the perfect balance of adventure, action & romance - and they're all integral to the plot. The pacing of the story is well done. Each chapter builds on the next and keeps those pages turning. Just when you think it can't possibly get any more exciting - it totally does!

I highly recommend this story for readers of YA, fantasy, Arthurian legend, and romance.
Profile Image for Charlene.
172 reviews3 followers
June 22, 2019
Really Good sequel to "legendary"

The second book in the Legendary series brings more thrills and more daring deeds as the knights search for Excalibur, battle a dragon and fight to protect Aliana from Mordrid and Morgana. I am really enjoying this fantasy series about King Arthur, Merlin and Camelot.
Profile Image for Michelle Pickett.
Author 10 books901 followers
October 10, 2016
This review was originally posted on Michelle K. Pickett's blog: These Words Tell a Story...

I’m a sucker for fairy tale retellings. One of my favorites right now is Throne of Glass (which is loosely based on Cinderella for those who don’t know, which is probably no one. Apparently I’m the only person who has been living under a rock the past few years, but moving on.) So when I was given the opportunity to read L.H. Nicole’s Legendary Saga I didn’t hesitate. I’ve never read a retelling of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. I have seen the movie with Clive Owen, however, and couldn’t stop picturing him (and hearing that accent) as I read the book (cuz, yum), but I digress.
 
If you’ve read any of my reviews, you already know what my next sentence will be. I’m not going to give you a breakdown of the series. Read it. That’s what the author intended you to do when she wrote it. What I will do is tell you WHY I think you should read it (and I do think you should).
 
First, it’s a unique story. Like I’ve mentioned, it’s the first I’ve read of its kind. I’m not going to go so far as to say it’s the only retelling of King Arthur’s legend because I’m quite certain there are others, but the market isn’t flooded with them, and certainly not for young/new adults. So that in itself makes the Legendary Saga unique.
 
But an author can think up a unique story and still produce a crap book, right? Yes, it happens. Thankfully, in this case, that isn’t so. I will admit that the pacing started out quite slow for me and I had to push myself to keep going, but after a few chapters, I was flying through the pages, totally immersed in Aliana’s world. Adventure abounds and there is something for every fantasy lover, from pixies, magic, evil queens, a little mystery, and a touch of romance. Although, fair warning, there is a love triangle in the beginning. I know, I know, I wasn’t a fan of it either. But it isn’t enough of a reason not to read the series, trust me.
 
The characters are developed well. Aliana is a strong heroine with many obstacles in her path as she navigates her quest, but she does so with spunk, humor, and determination. She has flaws, but tries to do the right thing, as she understands it and is a good role model for young girls and a character readers will want to root for. Secondary characters shined. I loved that they were given so much attention. So often, secondary characters are just… there. Used as props or background noise. But that wasn’t so in these stories. I really enjoyed the knights and their interactions with each other.
 
Mechanics were good. I found the descriptions a little long and tiresome and skimmed them at some points. Otherwise, the author’s writing style was easy to read and enjoyable.
 
I recommend the Legendary Saga to anyone who likes fairy tale retellings or King Arthur era stories. It’s a well thought out series, with unique plot lines and well-developed characters.

Read more of my reviews, inlcuding this one, on my blog: These Words Tell a Story...
77 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2014
What a great follow up to the first book. Sometimes the second book can't live up to the first but this story is better. Fun unique twists of old world and modern day. Characters have depth and keep your attention.I love how the author adds to the story by giving you glimpses into other characters through their personal thoughts. This story has adventure and romance. I enjoyed every minute.
Profile Image for Domoni.
93 reviews4 followers
November 1, 2016
As Aliana and the knights recover from their battle with Mordrid and Morgana, Aliana has another dream. She sees a book her father owned that could point to the location of Excalibur. So Aliana, Dragg, Lacy and the eight knights fly to North Carolina to the home Aliana grew up in to find her father’s book and continue the Destined One’s quest. Aliana fills her other best friend, Dawn, in on the truth about the group of men and Dawn joins the quest to defeat Mordrid and Morgana. Locating the book has the knights traveling to the Isle of the Blessed to locate the sword. Not only do they find Excalibur, but they locate the ruined Camelot.

In this story Aliana and Galahad’s relationship is in full swing. Lacy and Percival are also coupling and it appears Dawn and Wade, the reincarnated Gawain, are also falling for each other. So there is more romance in this book. The addition of another childhood friend does not really serve the story well though. The three girls together are flighty and superficial 18 year olds. Aside from the flirting, Lacy and Dawn’s main roles seem to be to say, you can’t stop me from coming.

Aliana continues to deny that Arthur is interested in her but the tension between the king and his knight mounts. Each appearance of Queen Titania escalates that tension. It seems when she created the spell that saved Arthur, she had plans for the Destined One. We learn that Aliana is a descendant of Titania and so she is half Fae. There also seems to be some sort of magic affecting Galahad that makes him go crazy when Aliana is threatened.

The group locates the sword and returns to the mortal realm. A confrontation between Aliana, Arthur, and Galahad has Aliana running and she ends up captured by Mordrid. He had captured two people she cares for and so to secure their release, she agrees to stay with him and even agrees to a kiss. The kiss adds further confusion to Aliana’s troubled relationship status. Queen Titania appears and saves Aliana from Mordrid and Morgana and sends her on to continue her quest to fulfill the prophecy by finding the lost relics.

I actually liked this story less than the first. There was a lot more superficial content that was rather boring. I was hoping for more depth of characters in the second book but was left wanting.

My rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Kori Toth-gray.
56 reviews
December 20, 2014
The first book really needs to be read prior to the second book in LH Nicole's fantasy of modern day girl "the Destined One" clashes with the Knights of the Round Table legend. This story starts off where the first ended and keeps getting better. The characters have developed and a new girl has joined the "team." There are several romantic relationships developing that add another layer of turmoil to the quest of finding King Arthur's sword Excalibur. Again there are vague riddles for the group to unravel, more fantastical creatures to meet, and magical clashes in the fight to find and retrieve Excalibur. The reader gets pulled into the beginnings of a romantic triangle as the group learns more about what all the characters may be hiding from each other. LH Nicole does a wonderful job of giving most of the characters their own time and thoughts to heard by the reader. One of the best hidden surprises is the private personal thoughts/revelations LH provides is the paragraph at the end of chapters on a different character. It increases the buildup of what is to eventually come when all the mysterious information everyone holds explodes in the coming books. The Excalibur quest is completed in the book but then ends with another great teaser about the next adventures to befall Aliana, King Arthur, the Knights, Queen Titana, Morgana, and Mordid. Waiting impatiently for the third book....
Profile Image for Leandra Bright.
38 reviews4 followers
December 31, 2014
I recieved a free copy of this book for a honest review. Wow is all i can say? I loved this story. At first I didn't think I would like this type of story, but this series changed my mind. This book was very different from any that I've read and I loved the concept of King Arthur and the knights. My favorite characters were Aliana and Dagg. Aliana at the beginning is grieving over her parents death and is somewhat weak. When she finds out shes the Destined One her whole world changes. Aliana throughout the series turns in to be a brave girl who is a forced to be reckoned with. She will do anything to protect the ones she cares about and never wants to see another person she loves in pain. Evil forces are a play and are determined to keep her from finding excalibur. Dagg was my other favorite character. He is Aliana's Guardian. Dagg is a silver dragon who can think and feel what Aliana feels. His sole purpose is to keep her safe. He is hilarious and It made me want one myself. This story was very well written and I will recommend it to friends. This book has opened me up to reading more about fantasy and it was definently a breath of fresh air. I hope to see another book in the series and would love to continue with the story.
Profile Image for Ashley Briscoe.
24 reviews22 followers
January 8, 2015
This book Is even better than the first.
Within this one on the search for Excalibur! To start they Leave London and head back to Aliana's Home in South Carolina. Here they find their final member of the knights! have a few encounters with the bad guys! Some Romances start, they find a map, some of Aliana's mothers Jewelry, and the Key book with the poem in Aliana's dream.
I absolutely love Dagg, I wish I could have a friend dragon like him.
I love the little insight from the other characters at the beginning of the sections. It gives another way for the author to give the thoughts and feelings of the other characters without having to have chapters written by all of the characters. I love Dawn and Lacy going on this adventure with Aliana it gives me more characters to connect with. (I'm still having a hard time connecting with all of the characters) I would like to see some more visual description in the following book.
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,165 reviews108 followers
January 29, 2015
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's 5 Star Review~~~~~~~~~~~

If you like stories about magical beings, powerful wizards and witches, about legends coming to life, about secret messages, hidden codes, magic spells, tossing of magical energy blasts, seeking of missing powerful artifacts; if invisible realms, quests for hidden treasure that will aid in the monumental struggle of good versus evil......then you will LOVE this book!! It has all the elements of mystery, suspense, action, amazing adventures and awesome powers. The descriptions of these other worlds and their magical creatures and magic blasts are so vivid and detailed, you can "see" it all in your mind's eye. It's like being there! I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. Five Stars!
Profile Image for Charity.
392 reviews29 followers
January 6, 2016
For full review please go to: 5girlsbookreviews.blogspot.com, Twitter @camartinez and Facebook "5 Girls Book Reviews"

REVIEW BY: Arianna, age 13 years, 1 month

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This book disappointed me because everything I was really set against happening, did happen. I really didn't want Aliana to kiss Arthur or have anything to do with the Queen. I was hoping for some happier things.

My favorite character was Galahad because he is so loyal and brave. Throughout everything he stays strong and loves Aliana.
Profile Image for Bobbie Stanley.
143 reviews5 followers
October 30, 2016
Most of the time, I feel like the second book in a story has trouble keeping up with the first and just sort of exists to bridge the gap between the first and third books. This one did not have that issue. I enjoyed the adventure in this one, though, and it kept my interest. I still found this book to be slow reading, though I'm not entirely sure I can put my finger on why. That could be more related to me than to the book as a whole. The Arthur legends are some of my favorites, though, and this is a really fun story line!
133 reviews
December 19, 2014
Great book. I received a copy of this book for an honest review. It was a cute book, I enjoyed the love triangles and the story. It was different and interesting. If you love great friendships this book is for you. It melts your hearts how wonderful everyone is with eachother even after all the craziness.
Profile Image for Melissa Smith.
77 reviews12 followers
October 23, 2016
The quest continues in Claiming Excalibur and the series takes a sharp downturn. Aliana is still unlikable and hasn’t grown a bit since the first book. We are also introduced to two new characters, her best friends Lacy and Dawn. The most annoying book characters EVER.

Read my review of the entire series here -
http://magicandmachines.jessicaandgra...
Profile Image for Chrissi.
1,401 reviews9 followers
March 14, 2018
This book is even better than the first! If you haven't read book 1, Legendary, I strongly urge you to go and read it first. So much is going on, plot twists, secrets, characters acting shady, battles, adventures, did i mention plot twists?? I love this series and will be diving straight into book 3!
Profile Image for Danae Stewart.
41 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2016
Loved it! Didn't want to put it down, can't wait for the next book.

Just reread this, still love this book. Can see myself reading it again.
Profile Image for Kristy.
6 reviews
March 6, 2015
Really really good book!! You gotta read it! And I'm not saying that because my cousin is the author
Profile Image for Fran Zoch, LSoR.
2,093 reviews13 followers
March 3, 2018
we have Aliana who has been able to wake up King Arthur from his very long sleep and now the battle with Mordrid  is going on. But with Lacey and Dawn all things are possible
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